Step-Index Optical Fiber Made of Biocompatible Hydrogels

Adv Mater. 2015 Jul 15;27(27):4081-6. doi: 10.1002/adma.201501603. Epub 2015 Jun 5.

Abstract

A biocompatible step-index optical fiber made of poly(ethylene glycol) and alginate hydrogels is demonstrated. The fabricated fiber exhibits excellent light-guiding efficiency in biological tissues. Moreover, the core of hydrogel fibers can be easily doped with functional molecules and nanoparticles for localized light emission, sensing, and therapy.

Keywords: biocompatible; hydrogels; implantable; optical fibers; sensing.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemistry
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials* / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials* / chemistry
  • Colon
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Glucuronic Acid / chemistry
  • Hexuronic Acids / chemistry
  • Hydrogels* / chemical synthesis
  • Hydrogels* / chemistry
  • Lasers
  • Materials Testing
  • Mechanical Phenomena
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Optical Fibers*
  • Optical Imaging / instrumentation
  • Oximetry / instrumentation
  • Oximetry / methods
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Prostheses and Implants
  • Spectrum Analysis / instrumentation
  • Spectrum Analysis / methods
  • Swine

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Hexuronic Acids
  • Hydrogels
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Glucuronic Acid
  • Oxygen